Short Final

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An instructor pilot made an unusual, verbose request for take-off clearance, describing the physics of flight rather than using standard aviation phraseology.
  • The air traffic control tower responded by humorously mirroring the instructor's exact, unconventional wording for the clearance.
  • The anecdote highlights a witty and memorable exchange between a pilot and ATC from the late 1960s.
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While flying a Beech 18 in the late 1960s, my instructor requested take-off clearance in an unusual way:

XXX Tower:
“Twin Beech N1234 ready to accelerate on runway heading to generate sufficient lift to overcome the effects of gravity.”

Without skipping a beat, the tower retorted:
“Twin Beech N1234, you are cleared to accelerate on runway heading to generate sufficient lift to overcome the effects of gravity.”


Patrick Tallon
via e-mail

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